Ducks and Buckeyes finally near the end of 15-game campaign

DALLAS (AP) - From the high heat and humidity of August until the snow and bone-chilling winds of January, this has been the longest major-college season ever.

When Oregon tackles Ohio State in the inaugural College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night, both teams will be playing their 15th game of the season. No one has ever played more, not at the highest level of the sport.

After years of having the Bowl Championship Series title game deciding who's No. 1, this year an extra postseason round was tossed into the works due to the four-team tournament.

As a result, Ducks coach Mark Helfrich and the Buckeyes' Urban Meyer - guys who favor draining, uptempo attacks - have kept a close eye on their players for wear and tear.